TWO dirty dog owners have gone 'walkies' home from court with fines and costs of almost £1000!
The irresponsible owners were caught RED HANDED allowing their dogs to foul in a public place and failed to pick it up, leaving it as a disgusting blight on Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The Rhydyfelin woman allowed her dog to roam the streets on his own. He was free to foul wherever and however often he wanted within the surrounding community. The woman received a Fine of £330, Costs of £120 and a Victim Surcharge of £34 – which is a Total of £484.
The second owner, a man from Dinas, Rhondda, failed to pick up immediately after his dog fouled and refused to cooperate with the Council's Enforcement Officers. The man received a Fine of £330, Costs of £120 and a Victim Surcharge of £34 – which is a Total of £484.
The message to irresponsible dog owners is simple: 'NO DOG FOULING' and 'NO DOGS ON PITCHES'. These messages are painted in bright yellow on the ground of streets, roads, pitches and key dog walking hot spots. The message is there CLEAR for everyone to see.
The message from the Council is clear. If an irresponsible dog owner is found breaching the rules of the strict Public Spaces and Protection Order (PSPO) by an Enforcement Officer, the Council will take action and issue a £100 fine.
Failure to pay this could lead to court action and a much larger fine, which these dirty dog owners have discovered to their costs. Details could also be publicised on the Council's website and Social Media channels.
One of the key concerns of the Order (PSPO) introduced FIVE years ago in Rhondda Cynon Taf (October 2017), was dog fouling on sports fields – because even if the fouling is picked up, remnants of it will remain on the grass and soil. It is not only disgusting but could also have serious life-changing health consequences.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council takes a ZERO tolerance approach to dog fouling and irresponsible dog owners! The Council was the first to introduce strict rules in terms of dog controls. As this latest case highlights, its hard work continues as the enforcement team will ALWAYS take action and hold them to account.
Streetcare Enforcement staff will also be working extended hours to ensure irresponsible dog owners have nowhere to hide - even after dark!
The Council is also asking sports clubs to report any issues they are having and report dog fouling on pitches online at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/ReportDogFouling so that we can support them and work together for the safety of the players.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure said:
"Most dog owners are responsible, but unfortunately, some need to realise that failing to clear up after their dog's mess in public places is illegal. It's a dirty eyesore in our County Borough and has serious health implications for the community. We must do all we can to eradicate this problem.
"After receiving complaints from residents and seeing the problem for myself in some areas, the Community Wardens and Enforcement team will now join forces to increase their presence further to tackle the issue that is having a big impact on our sports pitches.
"Many clubs were massively affected by Covid-19 and want to avoid seeing their fixtures disrupted because a lazy dog owner can't follow the rules.
"The Council would rather see a clean County Borough and dog walkers acting responsibly rather than issue fines. This could easily be avoided if we all follow the clear messages, follow the rules and act responsibly. The rules protect everyone who wants to enjoy our beautiful County Borough."
For more information on the dog fouling rules in Rhondda Cynon Taf visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/DogFouling.
Find out where you can and can't walk your dog in Rhondda Cynon Taf at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/walkmydog
Posted on 30/11/2022